Every once in a while, there's a game that's so adored by players, it seems that it will never go away. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is that game for modern RPGs in much the same way Grand Theft Auto V has persisted in the action-adventure space. After nearly a decade, Skyrim has had three separate releases across seven major platforms.
Though essentially the same title has been released several times, there is some discernable difference between some versions of the game. Here's how every version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim stacks up by Metacritic score.
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (PC)
The PC version of Skyrim's remastered Special Edition sits as the lowest scored entry with a 74. The general impression of the title was that it was functionally acceptable but borderline unnecessary, even inconvenient, for owners of the PC edition of the game.
Many of the visual improvements were minor and were achievable with some modding of the original game. That said, it launched with no access to the fan-made mods, and content people had grown to love over the years, in addition to lacking some functionality the previous PC version of the game had. Though it has since become the de-facto version of Skyrim on the PC, many felt it was a way to make a quick profit off gullible players when it was released.
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR (PS4, PC)
Skyrim VR was released first on the PS4 in 2017 and then ported to PC in 2018. The titles have a score of 77 and 81, respectively. Though players were delighted to reexperience Skyrim again in a new way, the experience was less than perfect.
Critics quickly called attention to the diminished visuals and clumsy combat, saying that it's not ideal for getting the whole RPG experience. There were also some concerns about motion sickness, especially when playing the title for prolonged amounts of time. Those criticisms aside, the title was universally praised for creating an immersive and deep VR experience.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (Xbox One, PS4)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition was released for PS4 and Xbox One in 2016. The PS4 version is scored 81 and an 82 for the Xbox One. The titles received some criticism for delivering a remaster with limited improvements and no added content while hosting several lingering bugs.
The PS4 and Xbox One versions of Skyrim Special Edition did not have any new content for players to explore. It also included only minor aesthetic improvements, hardly earning its remaster designation. For these reasons, many felt that the original version of Skyrim would suffice on consoles. However, for new players to the title, these games offered a great way to jump into Skyrim for the first time on new consoles.
2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Switch)
The Switch version of Skyrim was released in 2017 and holds a score of 84 on Metacritic. Despite its age showing more profoundly on the Switch, the console's portability and motion controls injected some revitalization in Skyrim that players fell in love with.
Critics felt that the ability to take Skyrim anywhere gave more than enough reason to experience this gem again or for the first time. Though there were constant reminders of the title's age with dated animations and less-than-stellar visuals, many could look past these and enjoy the novelty of the expansive RPG on the go. The Switch's motion controls also added an enjoyable new element to the title, letting players immerse themself in the forests and vales of the game without a VR headset.
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
The most beloved version of Skyrim is the original versions released for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Scored 92, 96 and 94, respectively, there are many reasons the initial releases of Skyrim still rank the highest. It left an undeniable impact on gaming, leaving a lasting legacy even it couldn't live up to.
When Skyrim was released, it redefined RPGs in a way that wouldn't be seen again until The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Players created their own characters and set off on an epic adventure, getting involved in a civil war, training with dragon monks and stopping the prophesized armageddon. It was a one-of-a-kind experience at the time, and left solidified impressions on players. It wasn't a perfect game, but what it offered far exceeded any bugs or gripes players had with the title. Plus, in 2011, it both looked terrific and offered cutting-edge features.